18 Best Mountain Coasters in the U.S.
Have you ever experienced the thrill of mountain coaster riding? From the misty Smoky Mountains of Tennessee to the towering peaks of Colorado and the scenic slopes of the Northeast, these gravity-driven alpine coasters deliver heart-pounding descents combined with breathtaking natural beauty. Perfect for families, thrill-seekers, and everyone in between, mountain coaster riding lets you control your speed while twisting, turning, and dropping through stunning landscapes. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or soaking in panoramic views, these rides turn any mountain getaway into an unforgettable adventure.
Here’s our comprehensive list of the 18 best mountain coasters (in no particular order) that you need to experience this summer.
#1 Alpine Coaster at Jiminy Peak (Mass.)
Located in Hancock, Mass., the Alpine Coaster at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is a fantastic starting point for mountain coaster riding in the Northeast. This gravity-driven ride winds over 3,600 feet through the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, featuring thrilling twists, turns, and drops. Riders control their speed for a customized adventure, making it ideal for all ages amid scenic surroundings. Open year-round, it’s a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the area.
#2 Mountain Coaster at Cranmore (N.H.)
Perched in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Mountain Coaster at Cranmore Mountain Resort offers nearly 3,000 feet of gravity-propelled excitement. Twists, turns, and drops provide an adrenaline rush through forested terrain, with rider-controlled speeds ensuring fun for families and beginners alike. It’s a must-try during mountain coaster riding adventures in New England, open year-round.
#3 Gunstock Mountain Coaster (N.H.)
In Gilford, N.H., Gunstock’s mountain coaster delivers over 4,000 feet of track through the Belknap Mountains. Expect thrilling drops, curves, and panoramic views, all while controlling your pace. This year-round attraction is perfect for mountain coaster riding that blends excitement with natural beauty.
#4 Mountain Coaster at Camelback Mountain (Penn.)
In Tannersville, Penn., the Mountain Coaster at Camelback Mountain Resort stands out with over 4,500 feet of track in the Pocono Mountains. Twists, turns, and drops make for an exhilarating ride, enhanced by customizable speed controls and stunning vistas. Open year-round, it’s a top pick for mountain coaster riding in the Mid-Atlantic.
#5 Ridge Runner at Blue Mountain (Penn.)
The Ridge Runner at Blue Mountain in Palmerton, Penn., offers over 4,000 feet of alpine action amid the Poconos. This gravity-propelled coaster features exciting drops and curves with rider-controlled speeds, delivering family-friendly thrills in a scenic setting. It’s an excellent choice for mountain coaster riding year-round.
#6 Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster (Md.)
Set in western Maryland’s mountains near Deep Creek Lake, the Wisp Resort Mountain Coaster spans over 3,500 feet of lush forest and breathtaking views. Twists, turns, and drops provide plenty of excitement during mountain coaster riding, with speed controls for all skill levels. Open year-round, it’s a favorite for outdoor adventurers.
#7 Moonshine Mountain Coaster (Tenn.)
In Gatlinburg, Tenn., the Moonshine Mountain Coaster brings mountain coaster riding to life through the Smoky Mountains. Control your speed on twists, turns, and drops for a ride that changes with the seasons—from vibrant foliage to snowy wonderlands. Open year-round, it’s ideal for families and thrill-seekers.
#8 Ober Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster (Tenn.)
Also known as the Tennessee Flyer at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park in Gatlinburg, this coaster offers stunning Smoky Mountain views. Rider-controlled speeds navigate thrilling elements, making it suitable for all ages and a classic stop for mountain coaster riding year-round.
#9 Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster (Tenn.)
One of the longest options for mountain coaster riding in the US, the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster in Pigeon Forge features over a mile of track through scenic woods. Twists, turns, and the ability to choose leisurely or high-speed runs make it a standout amid the Smokies. Open year-round.
#10 Rowdy Bear Mountain Coaster (Tenn.)
The Rowdy Bear (formerly associated with Ripley’s) in Gatlinburg promises fast-paced mountain coaster riding through lush forests and mountainous terrain. Control your speed for personalized thrills and enjoy Smoky Mountain views. Open year-round, it’s great for families seeking adventure.
#11 Anakeesta Rail Runner (Tenn.)
Gatlinburg’s Anakeesta offers the innovative single-rail Rail Runner for a unique mountain coaster riding experience. Speed controls let you tailor the descent with sweeping Smoky Mountain views. Open year-round, and pair it with their newer Hellbender coaster for double the fun.
#12 Alpine Coaster at Glenwood Caverns (Colo.)
High in the Rocky Mountains at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, this coaster winds over 3,400 feet through forests and rocky terrain. Rider-controlled speeds and epic views make it a premier spot for mountain coaster riding in Colorado, open year-round.
#13 Rocky Mountain Coaster at Copper Mountain (Colo.)
At Copper Mountain Resort, the Rocky Mountain Coaster stretches over 5,800 feet through the heart of the Rockies. Long descents, twists, drops, and customizable speeds deliver an unforgettable mountain coaster riding adventure. Open year-round.
#14 Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster at Vail (Colo.)
Vail’s Forest Flyer provides over 3,400 feet of alpine terrain thrills with scenic aspen groves and mountain vistas. Gravity-driven with speed controls, it’s perfect for all ages during mountain coaster riding excursions in Colorado’s high country, open year-round.
#15 Gold Runner Alpine Coaster at Breckenridge (Colo.)
Breckenridge’s Gold Runner features over 2,500 feet of track with exciting twists and drops against Rocky Mountain backdrops. Rider-controlled speeds ensure fun for everyone in this classic mountain coaster riding experience, open year-round.
#16 Breathtaker at Snowmass (Colo.)
In Snowmass Village, the Breathtaker (also called Howler) offers over 3,000 feet of exhilarating descent through the Rockies. Twists, turns, and speed controls highlight seasonal beauty, making it a seasonal favorite for mountain coaster riding enthusiasts.
#17 Cliffside Coaster at Lake Placid (N.Y.)
Often regarded as one of the longest mountain coasters in North America, the Cliffside Coaster at Lake Placid follows the historic 1980 Olympic bobsled track for nearly 1.5 miles of twists and drops. Epic Adirondack scenery enhances every moment of mountain coaster riding here.
#18 Park City Alpine Coaster (Utah)
At Park City Mountain Resort, this year-round coaster covers over 3,000 feet of track with thrilling elements and stunning Wasatch Mountain views. It’s an excellent Western option for family-friendly mountain coaster riding.
Summer Mountain Vacation Deals
Mountain coaster riding combines the best of roller coasters with immersive natural settings, creating memories that last long after the ride ends. Many of these destinations offer multi-ride passes, seasonal variations, and nearby attractions to make your trip even better.
Ready to plan your next adventure? At Destination Deals, we have great deals, discounts, and promo codes for many of these mountain coaster destinations and their surrounding resorts—helping you save on tickets, lodging, and more so you can focus on the thrill! Start your search now!
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